Slide fastener lock



Nov. 21, 1950 H. J. MODREY 2,530,433

SLIDE FASTENER LOCK Filed DeG. 24, 1947 4 Sheet sSheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

Nov. 21, 1950 H. J. MODREY 2,530,438

SLIDE FASTENER LOCK Filed D90. 24, 1947 4 Sheets-Shout 2 Jib-rug Nov. 21, 1950 H. J. MODREY 2,530,438

SLIDE FASTENER LOCK Filed Dec. 24, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. '17: n51

Frederik Nov. 21, 1950 I H. J. MODREY sum-2 FASTENER LOCK 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 24, 1947 R m m W.

Wang flotlrgz BY Fredaa'ck Warm Patented Nov. 21, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SLIDE FASTENER LOCK Henry J. Modrey, Newark, N. J. Application December 24, 1947, Serial No. 793,629

11 Claims.

i This invention relates to slide fasteners, particularly to slide fasteners of the type in which the slider locks itself against displacement, either in both directions or in the opening direction of the slider travel, until released by actuation of the slider tab.

Slide fasteners with self-locking sliders of the general type, above referred to, usually employ a member having a tooth or a nose forming part of the slider mechanism and normally engaging the scoops of the slide fastener. The slider can be unlocked by exerting a pull on the slider tab which causes the toothed member to be lifted out of engagement with the scoops, thereby permitting a displacement of the slider in either direction.

In various instances, it is desirable to be able to secure the slider either in a position completely closing the slide fastener or in a selected intermediate position, for instance when the slide fastener is used to close bags, luggage, brief cases, etc. It has already been suggested to design the slider, particularly the slider tab so that a small padlock can be fastened to the slider. However, such an arrangement is rather inconvenient in practice as it requires the use of an additional and independent element.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a detachable slider tab which is removed when it is desired to lock the slider and which prevents or at least makes it difficult to move the slider without use of the tab.

Another object of the invention is to provide a removable slider tab and to design the slider proper in such manner that it will receive only a tab specifically designed for the slider in question.

Another object of the invention is to provide a slider and a removable tab, both so designed that they will co-operate in the manner of a key and a look. In other words, the slider can be locked only when the correct key-like tab is used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a slider in which the component parts required to be operated by the tab for unlocking the slider are so positioned and constructed that it is extremely difficult to reach and actuate these parts without using the correct key.

Another object of the invention is to provide means by which a removable tab applied to a slider is biased into a position in which it is secured to the slider, thereby avoiding the danger of a loss of the tab or key.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter and be pointed out in the claims forming part of the application.

In the accompanying drawings several embodiments of the invention are shown by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a slider with removable tap according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the tab proper.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view, partly in section, of a modification of a slider with removable tab according to the invention.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the tab for the slider shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking member of the slider according to Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a fractional side view of the locking member and of the tab showing the co-action of the tab with the locking member in one position of the tab.

Fig. 7 is a fractional side view similar to Fig. 6 showing the tab and the locking member in a different relative position.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a locking member according to the invention as may be used in connection with the slider according to Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a fractional side view of the locking member of Fig. 8 showing the co-action between the locking member and a removable tab in one position of the tab.

Fig. 10 is a fractional side view similar to Fig. 9 showing the locking member and the tab in a different relative position.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view, partly in section, of another modification of a slider with removable tab according to the invention.

Fig. 12 is a fractional view showing the coaction of the tab with the locking member of the slider of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view, partly in section, of still another modification of a slider with removable tab according to the invention, and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a removable tab to be used in connection with a slider according to Fig. 13.

Referring now to the figures in detail:

Fig. 1 comprises a perspective view of a slide fastener showing a slider generally designated by Ill, and two textile stringers or strips H and I2 to which are fastened conventional scoops l3 and M respectively. Slider Ill comprises a top portion l5 and a similarly shaped base portion (not shown) joined to the top portion by a rib (not shown) in a conventional manner. The strips and the scoops fastened thereto are guided between the top and base portion of the slider. When the slider is displaced relative to the strips, the scoops are forced into engagement or disengaged from each other depending upon the direction of the slider movement.

Inasmuch as the engagement and disengagement of the scoops are conventional and not essential for the understanding of the invention, this part of the function of the illustrated slide fastener need not be described in. detail.

The locking mechanism of the slider comprises a locking member [8 pivoted to top portion-l5 by a pivot H. The free end portion of locking member 18 is provided with a nose l8 (similar to the nose of the locking member shown in Fig. 8 which will be more fully explained hereinafter). Nose 18 extends through a corresponding opening IS in top portion l5 of the slider and, by the weight of locking member l8, tends to engage the scoops, thereby preventing displacement of the slider in one direction while allowing displacement in the opposite direction, usually the direction for closing the slide fastener. The locking member, as shown, is shaped to form a hollow substantially rectangular casing which is received by a correspondingly shaped rectangular body 28 fastened to or integral with top portion i5 and supporting pivot II. There is provided in both side walls of locking member IS a recess 2| which is engaged by a slider tab, generally designated by 25.

The slider, as hitherto described, is substantially conventional in design and function.

According to the invention, slider tab is removably rather than permanently fastened to slider i8 as is conventional. The slider tab is designed somewhat similar to scissors and comprises two blades or shanks 28a and 21, joined by a pivot 8. Each shank comprises a handle portion 28a and 21a respectively and an operating portion 28b and 21b respectively. Operating portions 28b and 2") are shaped to fit over the free end of locking member i8 and to engage with their respective noses 28 and 29, the corresponding recesses 2 I. A loaded leaf spring 38 extending from handle 21 serves to bias noses 28 and 29 into engagement.

The operation of a slider mechanism, as hereinbefore described, is as follows:

Let it be assumed that slider tab 25 is removed from locking member l8, then the slider is locked for movement in the opening direction by nose l8 engaging scoops l3 and [4. If it is now desired to unlock the slider, the tab is applied to the slider by pivoting handles 28a and 21a against the action of spring 38 and slipping the then disengaged noses 28 and 29 into recesses 2!. The slider can now be unlocked in the same manner as a conventional slider by simply pulling locking member l8 slightly upward by means of tab 25, thereby withdrawing locking nose l8 from the engaged scoops l3 and I4. After placing the slider in the desired position, the tab is again removed thereby preventing or at least making difllcult a tampering with the slider.

It should be noted in this connection that it is of course possible to unlock the slider by lifting locking member IS without using the tab. However, in practice this is quite diflicult as the actual size of the slider parts is very small and the locking member and its recesses are difllcult to engage without tools.

The slider arrangement shown in Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive is based upon the same principle of invention but distinguished from the modification according to Figs. 1. and 2 in that the slider can be unlocked only by means of a key-like tab. The

slider according to Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive comprises a base portion 35 and a top portion 38 joined to the base portion by a rib (not shown). The textile strips supporting the scoops to be joined are guided between base portion 35 and top portion 38 in a conventional manner, strip 12 with scoops i4 being shown. Slider top 38 is provided with a substantially rectangular opening 31 in which is inserted a locking member generally designated by 38. As best can be seen on Fig. 5, this lock member comprises a center wall 39 of substantially semi-circular shape. Along the periphery of center wall 39 there is provided a collar 48. Center wall 39 is further provided with a cross bar or arm 4|, one arm of the cross-bar being extended into a nose or tooth 42. The collar 48 is positioned above top 38 of the slider while cross bar 4| is located between top portion 38 and base portion 35 so that tooth 42 can engage adjacent scoops. As can best be seen on Fig. 5, the gap 43 is left between cross bar 4i and the adjacent end of collar 48. At the edge of center wall 39 opposite to cross bar 4!, there are fastened to center wall 39 a pair of semi-circular or U-shaped arms 45 which abut against the lower side of top portion 38 thereby providing, together with a nose 48 abutting against the adjacent scoops, a pivot point for locking member 38 relative to top 38 as best can be seen on Figs. 6 and 7.

It will further be apparent from these figures that nose 42 will engage the respective scoops when looking member 38 is in the position shown in Fig. 6 thereby locking the slider. Nose 48, by

reason of its triangular shape, tends to bias locking member 38, into the position shown on Fig. 6. 1 At the upper side of top portion 38, there is provided a substantially semi-circular housing or cover 58 fastened to or integral with slider top 36. Cover 58 encompasses locking member 38 and is provided at each side with a recess or opening 5! substantially in alignment with gap or recess 43 of the locking member 38. One or both side walls of cover 58 are further provided with one or more ribs 52 and grooves 53. These grooves are shown as substantially semi-circular but in certain instances they may also have other shapes. They may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced and may be of equal or unequal width. Also, the grooves and ribs may be difierent on both sides of the cover.

The tab 25a coacting with the slider of Fig. 3 is similar to the tab shown in Fig. 2 as to its general design. However, the operating portions 28b and 21b of the blades or shanks 28 and 21 respectively are provided with grooves 55, 58 respectively and ribs 51, 58 respectively corresponding to grooves 53 and ribs 52 of cover 58. The forward ends 59 and 88 of shanks 28 and 21 respectively are bent on to form hooks GI, 82 respectively which are urged into engagement by spring 38 as can best be seen in Fig. 4.

'I'heoperation of the slider arrangement according to Figs. 3 to 7 is as follows:

As previously mentioned, the slider is normal- 1y locked by nose 42 engaging the corresponding adjacent scoops. When it is now desired to unlock theslider for purpose of moving the same, tab 25a is applied to the slider by spreading hooks 8|, 82 against the action of spring 38. The tab shanks are then fitted over cover 58 while the tab is held in a position substantially parallel to slider top 38 as can best be seen in Fig. 3. As will be evident. the ribs and grooves of the tab will engage the corresponding grooves and ribs of cover 48. Shank portions 59 and 68 will extend through cover openings II and hooks ll and 62 will lodge themselves in gap 4310f locking member 26 as best can be seen in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 also shows a tab position similar to Fig. 3. When the tab is now pivoted-the matching grooves and ribs permitting such pivotal movementhooks 6| and 62 will engage collar 40 of locking member 38 after the tab is pivoted through about 30". As a result, the tab pivots the locking member about nose 46 as pivot point, thereby unlocking the slider as can best be seen on Fig. 7.

The tab can be pivoted through an angle of about 180 thereby providing for a convenient displacement of the slider in either direction. After the slider is placed in a selected position, the tab is removed by again spreading shank portions 26 and 2! thus relocking the slider.

As will be noted, the only tab which can be applied to the slider is a tab having ribs or grooves corresponding to the ribs and grooves of the slider. Furthermore, the tab must have hooks BI and 62 shaped to engage the locking member and to cause a pivotal movement thereof. In other words, the slider functions in the nature of a lock which can be opened only with the corresponding key. It will further be noted that it is quite diflicult, if not impossible, to insert tools such as jimmles into cover holes 5| to reach locking member 38 and to pivot the same.

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show a locking member suitable for use in connection with a slider arrangement as shown in Fig. 1.

According to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the locking member comprises an inner section 'Hl fastened to or integral with slider top l5 and an outer section H which is fitted over the inner section somewhat similar to a cover. Section N is pivoted to section ill by a pivot 12. Portion 13 of the side walls of section ll is slanted to permit a pivotal movement of section 7| relative to section 50 as indicated in Fig. 10. A pin 14 on section ll engaging a corresponding elongated slot 15 in section it serves to guide and limit the pivotal movement of section ii. The latter section is provided with a locking nose 16 extending through opening 09 of slider top I5 and locking the slider when the nose engages adjacent scoops. A loaded leaf spring Ti between section 10 and ii fastened by a screw or rivet 18 to section 70 serves to bias section ii into a position in which nose it looks the slider. The locking member, as shown in Figs. 3 to 10 may be operated with a key or tab such as shown in Fig. 4. For this purpose, substantially semi-circular recesses 80 are provided in each side wall of section 1 l. When it is desired to unlock the slider, hooks 6i and B2 of tab a are placed in recesses to by slipping the spread tab shanks 25b, 2122 over section it until the hooks engage the corresponding recesses. Then, a pivotal movement will pivot locking section it as indicated inFig. 10. It will of course be evident that recesses 80 must be so shaped that a pivoting of an inserted tab will cause the required lifting of locking portion H.

As previously mentioned, the locking member according to Figs. 8 to 10 is suitable in connection with the slider of Fig. 1 but it is also quite practical to use the locking member in connection with the slider design of Fig. 3.

Figs. 11 and 12 show another modification of a slider with removable tab according to the invention. The principal difierence between the previously described embodiments and the embodiment according to Figs. 11 and 12 resides in that according to Fig. 11 the locking member of the slider is released by a pulling or lifting movement rather than by a pivotal movement.

According to Fig. 11, the slider again comprises a base portion 35 and a top portion 36 Joined by a rib. The locking member 86 is similar to the locking member 36, the only difference being that collar 40 is extended to ioincross-bar 4|. The pivotal mounting of locking member 66 is the same as has been shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 for locking member 38.

The locking member is covered by a substantially semi-circular housing or cover 86 which is provided on one or both sides with grooves 81 and ribs 88 extending through an angle of about 180. These grooves may be uniformly or nonuniformly spaced and may be of equal or unequal widths. Furthermore, the shape and spacing of the grooves and ribs may be different on both sides of cover 86. Opposite locking member 66,

openings 89 and 90 are provided in cover 86.

The tab 25b used in connection with the slider of Fig. 11 is similar in principle to the tabs shown in Figs. 2 and 4. The shank portions 26!) and 21b are provided with ribs 9| and grooves 92. Ribs 9| are shaped to match the corresponding grooves 81 of cover 86 while permitting a limited lateral displacement of the tab as can best be seen on Fig. 12.

When tab 25b is removed, locking member 66 looks the slider in a manner similar to the one described in connection with Figs. 5, 6 and 7. For the purpose of unlocking the slider, tab 26b is slipped over cover 86 in any angular position relative to slider top 36 and noses 26, 29 are extended through the respective cover holes 89, 90. As will be evident, the tab can now be pivoted through an angle of about while exerting a slight pull on tab 25b. As a result, the locking nose (such as nose d2 of the locking member) is lifted out of its engagement with the adjacent scoop so that the slider is released for displacement in either direction. After the slider is placed in a selected position, the tab is again removed thereby relocking the slider.

It will be evident that the slider again functions in the nature of a lock to be unlocked only when the correct key is used.

The embodiment of a slider with removable tap as shown in Fig. 13 has been found particularly advantageous in certain instances.

According to Fig. 13, a locking member 38 is provided as described in detail in connection with Figs. 3, 5, 6 and 7. The pivotal movement of looking member 38 is limited by an abutment 96 fastened to or integral with slider top 36. A similar abutment may of course also be provided in the modification according to Fig. 3. The principal difference between the modification of Fig. 13 and the previously described modifications resides in the design of the tab and the parts of the slider proper coacting with the tab.

According to Fig. 13, a substantialhr semicircular housing or cover 96 extends from slider top 36. The cover is provided with an elongated peripheral slot 91 which at one end ends in a transverse slot 96 positioned substantially in alignment with gap '33 of locking member 38. Ribs 99 and intermediate grooves H00 corresponding in function to the ribs 52 and grooves 53 of Fig. 3 are provided on the inside walls of cover 96. The tab intended for use in connection with the slider according to Fig. 13 is shown in Fig. 14. According to this latter figure, the tab, generally designated by i0! is shaped somewhat similar to a conventional fiat key. The total width of the key is selected The slots or recesses of tab Ill must of course match the ribs and grooves of the cover.

The tab is further provided with a T-shaped slot Ill, the longitudinal branch of which is designed to fit and engage center wall 8! of locking member 33 while the transverse branch of slot I fits and engages collar ll of locking member 30. It will be evident from the previous description that the slider is locked by the locking nose of locking member 38 when the tab is removed from the slider. In the event it is desired to unlock the slider, the tab is inserted into the keyhole-like slot I until the axial portion of slot I has engaged center wall 3!. When the tab is now pivoted within peripheral slot l1 and the transverse portion of slot I I5 engages collar ll of locking member ll, the latter is slightly pivoted thereby unlocking the slider as previously described.

The curvature of collar ll must of course be so selected that pivoting of the tab will cause the required pivotal movement of locking member 30. This may be accomplished, a shown in Fig. 13 by making collar ll slightly wedge-shaped.

As soon as the tab is removed, the slider will relock itself as locking member 38 will return into its locking position by its own weight or by means of a suitable retrieving spring.

To avoid a loss of a tab inserted in slot 90, and left in the position of insertion, a leaf spring I II is provided fastened to slider top 38 by a rivet III or any other suitable means. This spring is so shaped that it will force an inserted tab slightly beyond transverse slot 98 thereby preventing the tab from falling out of slot 98. When it is desired to remove the tab, spring I I I is slightly depressed by means of the tab.

As will be evident from an examination of Figs.

13 and 14, the modification according to these figures substantially duplicates a lock and key. It has the particular advantage that it is very simple in design and manufacture. The key-like tab consists of one piece. The smooth outside of the slider prevents any deformation of the grooves and ribs.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to certain now preferred examples and embodiments of the invention it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended therefore. to cover all such changes and modifications in the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A slider lock for a slide fastener comprising a locking member capable of locking the slider in one position and of being moved into a release position, a cover member provided on said slider and constructed to conceal said locking member, said cover member having a ward portion including grooves and ribs and an opening providing access to the locking member.

2. A slider lock for a slide fastener comprising a locking member capable of locking the slider in one position and of being moved into a release position, a cover member provided on said 8 slider and constructed to member. said cover member having a plane wall portion having therein concentric substantially semi-circular grooves and ribs and an opening providing access to the locking member, said cover member opening being positioned approximately in the center point for said semi-circula grooves and ribs. 7 v

3. A slider lock as described in claim 2, wherein said cover member includes side walls positioned substantially parallel'to the direction of a .slider displacement on a slide fastener, and wherein said semi-circular concentric grooves and ribs are provided on said side walls.

4. A slider lock as described in claim 2, wherein said cover member has a semi-cylindrical shape, the plane sides of the cover member being positioned parallel to the direction of displacement of the slider relative to a slide fastener. the base of the semi-cylindrical member being adjacent to the slider portion engaging the slide fastener, and wherein said semi-circular grooves and ribs are provided on the outside of at least one of the plane walls of the semi-cylindrical cover memher, said cover member opening being positioned at the base of the cover member. 5. A slider lock as described in claim 2, wherein said cover member has a semi-cylindrical shape, the plane sides of the cover member being positioned parallel to the direction of displacement of the slider relative to a slide fastener, the base of the semi-cylindrical member being adjacent to the slider portion engaging the slide fastener, and wherein said grooves and ribs are provided on the inside of at least one of said plane cover member walls, said cover member opening being positioned at the base of the cover member.

6. A slider lock for aslide fastener comprising a locking member capable of locking the slider in one position and of being moved into a release position, a cover member constructed and positioned to conceal said locking member, said cover member having a, semi-cylindrical shape, the plane sides of the cover member being positioned parallel to the direction of displacement of the slider relative to a slide fastener, the base of the semi-cylindrical member being positioned adjacent to the slider portion engaging the slide fastener, the inside of at least one of the plane walls having thereon substantially semi-circular concentric grooves and ribs, the semi-cylindrical wall portion of the cover member including a peripheral slot extending through an arc corresponding substantially to the circumferential length of said grooves and ribs, one end of said peripheral slot being extended into a transverse slot.

7. A slider look as described in claim 6, wherein a spring is mounted within the cover member and positioned to urge a tab inserted into said transverse slot into engagement with the grooves and ribs of the cover member.

8. A slider look as described in claim 1, wherein said locking member comprises a pivotal element having a tooth thereon, said pivotal element being arranged to normally assume a. position in which said tooth engages the scoops of'a respective slide fastener, thereby locking the same, and to be pivoted into a, release position in which said tooth is disengaged from the scoops.

9. A slider lock for. slide fastener of the type having a pair of flexible stringers and interlocking members comprising a slider body having a guide channel to receive said stringers and interconceal said locking recesses and teeth.

assaase locking members, a movable locking member supported on the slider body and capable of locking the slider to the stringers in one position and of being moved into a release position, and a guard member attached to the slider body facing the locking member and blocking access to the same, said guard member having an opening therethrough positioned in alignment with the looking member and arranged to receive a key member for operating said locking member, said guard member including a shaped portion adapted to be engaged by a corresponding shaped portion of an inserted key member to permit pivotal movement of the key relative to the guard member causing movement of the locking member into its release position.

10. A slider look as described in claim 9. wherein said locking member is pivotally mounted, and wherein a pivotal movement of an inserted key member engages the locking member so as to pivot the same into its release position.

11. A slider look as described in claim 9, wherein said shaped guard member portion includes REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Construction of Locks by Tomlinson, page 34,

ma a. MODREY. a

London Virtue and C0,, 26, Ivy Lane, New York: Virtue and Yorston, published in London, England in 1868. 

